Big Fat Liar

2002 Comedy

Former co-stars of the TV sitcom Head of the Class teamed up to write the story and script for this teen comedy. When junior high-school student Jason Shepherd (Frankie Muniz) realizes that his class paper has been ripped off and turned into a hit motion picture called "Big Fat Liar," he takes matters into his own hands. Along with his best friend, Kaylee (Amanda Bynes), Jason travels to Los Angeles, where he intends to confront Hollywood big shot Marty Wolf (Paul Giamatti), the sleazy producer responsible for ripping him off. When he's unable to get Wolf to do the right thing, Jason subjects the showbiz power broker to a series of humiliating pranks and stunts designed to make an honest man out of him. Big Fat Liar co-stars Lee Majors and Amanda Detmer.

Director: Shawn Levy

Starring: Frankie Muniz, Paul Giamatti, Amanda Bynes, Amanda Detmer, Donald Faison

Reviews

  • A surprisingly entertaining movie -- one of those good-hearted comedies like "Spy Kids" where reality is put on hold while bright teenagers outsmart the best and worst the adult world has to offer. It's ideal for younger kids, and not painful for their parents.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    29 November 2012

  • An innocent comedic revenge fantasy that somehow manages to be sweet and wickedly satisfying at the same time.

    Michael O'Sullivan - The Washington Post

    29 November 2012

  • If Ms. Bynes keeps going in this direction, she can conceivably develop a gallery of characters as rich and varied as Tracey Ullman's.

    Stephen Holden - The New York Times

    29 November 2012

  • The result is a children's movie that's almost worth seeing even when not accompanied by a child. It's certainly a painless experience, and at times it's quite funny.

    Mick LaSalle - The San Francisco Chronicle

    29 November 2012

  • Not so admirably, the film feels at times like a giant commercial for Universal Studios.

    Claudia Puig - USA Today

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Favorite Movie Actress

    Kids' Choice Awards (2003)

  • Film - Choice Chemistry

    Teen Choice Awards (2002)

     
  • Best Family Feature Film - Comedy

    Young Artist Awards (2003)